Darlington Building Society

Darlington Building Society, a British savings and mortgage mutual

Darlington Building Society is a mutual building society based in Darlington, County Durham (United Kingdom). Its activity is structured around two main areas: savings products and mortgages for individuals. The entity presents itself as an established society that works in the service of its members and the local communities in which it operates.

The institutional website is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, with registered number 205895. The entity is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Savings products

The society's savings catalogue includes several types of account:

• Regular savings accounts.
• Children's savings accounts.
• ISA (Individual Savings Account), with a featured Fixed Rate ISA option.
• Notice savings accounts.
• Easy access savings accounts.
• Savings bonds.
• Maturing savings accounts.
• Current and withdrawn accounts, with their corresponding interest rates.

The entity offers tools to support savers, such as a savings calculator, a savings review service with personalised advice and a help section with frequently asked questions. In its communications, the society encourages customers to check whether they are making the most of their ISA allowance and to consider the anticipated regulatory changes to this product and the new FSCS limits.

Mortgages and advice

In the mortgage area, the society serves different situations and customer profiles:

• Mortgages for first-time buyers.
• Moving home.
• Remortgaging to us from other lenders.
• Switching your existing mortgage deal for current members.
• Other mortgage types.

The entity has a team of mortgage advisers who offer free advice at any stage of the home-buying process, with the stated aim of ensuring customers understand their options with confidence. The website allows you to book an appointment with a mortgage adviser and also offers the possibility of arranging a savings review. In addition, it publishes informative content on later life lending and on the experiences of specific customers.

Mutual structure and governance

The society defines itself as a mutual, a figure in which customers are members with participation rights. Its governance structure includes a Board, an executive team and an Annual General Meeting (AGM). The website publishes key society documents and a specific section for members, with areas for member support, member care and a space to share personal stories. It also has a channel called Darlingtonline and a portal for intermediaries.

Community commitment

The entity links its mutual status to a commitment to the communities in which it operates. Its community initiatives include a volunteering and fundraising programme, a commitment known as the 5% Pledge and a support line for charitable organisations. The society has celebrated its 170th anniversary with activities aimed at its members and communities, including a children's drawing competition. It has also obtained Investors in People Gold accreditation and holds the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognition.

Publications and resources

The society maintains a press and media space with news about its activity, including improvements to the appointment system for savings reviews, the addition of new accessibility tools on its website and a timeline of milestones from its 170-year history. It also publishes member testimonials, such as stories about a first mortgage, an intergenerational gift for a house deposit or a lifetime of saving with the entity.

Location and contact

Sentinel House, Morton Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4PT · Telephone: 01325 366366